Twice a year Lecco is invaded by thousands of sheep, it happens when several flocks gather at the gates of the city and, on the day and at the time agreed with the authorities (usually very early in the morning), they cross Lecco heading towards Valsassina. And the same thing happens in the opposite direction at the end of the summer season. It is the transhumance that brings shepherds and their livestock to the fresh grass pastures of the mountains,
A particularly evocative transhumance was that of May 2020 in full lockdown when thousands of sheep poured into the deserted streets of the city. That event was immortalized by photographers Stefano Pensotti And Carlo Sala and, now visible until May 19th inPhoto exhibition Transhumance set up in Lecco at the Viscontea Tower (piazza XX Settembre 3)
The exhibition has its roots in the photographic tradition that celebrated the peasant life of the 50s and 60s. Made during the pandemic years by COVID-19the project intends to narrate the transhumanceproclaimed UNESCO cultural heritage in 2019, in the province of Lecco, as a response to those difficult times.
The work develops thanks to the contacts had with shepherds of the Galbusera agricultural company, who crossed the city in broad daylight on Saturday 23 May 2020 with a flock of over 3000 sheep, celebrating the overcoming of the critical phase of the epidemic. The exhibition consists of a series of images that portray the flocki shepherds and the territory of Lecco and create one photographic map of their passage. The shots were donated to the Municipality of Lecco and at the end of the exhibition they will find space in the photo library of Villa Manzoni.
The exhibition, a Free admissionis open in the following timetables: Thursday from 10.00 to 13.00, Friday and Saturday from 14.00 to 18.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00. For info 0341 286729.
Stefano Pensotti (1959 Casargo – LC)
Photographer for more than 40 years, services have been published by numerous Italian and international magazines, 12 photographic volumes published in Italy, France, England and Libya. Among the numerous awards in 2007 the Chatwin Prize reserved for travel reportages, in 2011 among the best 100 authors at the Travel Photographer Of The Year, in 2016 the Siena International Photography Awards. He is the overall winner of the Travel Photographer Of The Year 2018 and in 2019 again selected among the top 100 photographers at the Travel Photographer Of The Year In 2020 award at the IPA International Photography Awards ™ in New York. His work revolves around geographical reportage, corporate photography, still life and portraits. In 30 years he has traveled to over 50 countries, in Europe, Africa and Asia, for the production of photographic services or accompanying small groups of Travelers and Photographers. He is represented by the Sime Photo agency. Luigi Erba, Denis Curti, Roberto Mutti, Lanfranco Colombo, Gianfranco Arciero have written about him. For 25 years he has been traveling in Europe, Africa and Asia alone for the production of photographic services or with small groups of photographers collaborating with national and international tour operators. www.stefanopensitti.com
Carlo Sala (1951 Sirone – LC)
His passion for photography was born many years ago with analogue photography, film, the darkroom and black and white printing. His photographs are used in magazines and books, and presented in numerous exhibitions and performances in Italy. His love for travel, Africa, Asia and South America, led him to discover his passion for documentary and reportage photography, to tell the many stories of the world and an aesthetic and emotional research of her. The search for light and color, the interaction with people, the drive to share and understand human events. With the transition to digital photography he dedicated himself to understanding and perfecting Fine Art Prints Giclée printing, becoming an appreciated printer for many photographers who make use of his expertise and professionalism.
